Photo: Chief Ronald Bear of Muskoday First Nation leading the 4th annual Crystal Meth and Fentanyl Awareness Walk
UPDATE: June 11, 2026
Posted the audio from MBC Achimowin here
English audio from MBC News here
The fourth annual Crystal Meth and Fentanyl Overdose Awareness Walk began Monday morning in Muskoday First Nation with a smudge, a song, and the beating of drums led by Chief Ronald Bear.
The walk, co-organized by Erica Hennie, aims to raise awareness about the impacts of crystal meth, fentanyl, alcohol, and other substance use on individuals, families, and communities.
The day began with a pipe ceremony, followed by a community breakfast and guest speakers at the Muskoday Band Hall.
“There’s widespread drug use in our communities.” said Erica Hennie. “Are we trying to mask underlying pain, trauma? Why are we going to these drugs? Yes, a lot of people that are using drugs, they’re masking the hurt and the pain of childhood traumas. There’s also traumas that people don’t talk about, so a lot of it has to do with traumas that people have.”
Hennie says addiction continues to contribute to family breakdown, violence, mental health challenges, and the loss of loved ones in communities across Saskatchewan.
She notes that many people struggling with substance use are coping with unresolved trauma and need support rather than stigma.
The awareness walk has grown since it first began four years ago and has attracted participants from numerous First Nations and communities along the route.
Organizers welcome anyone interested in joining the walk, whether for a few kilometres or the entire journey.
The group plans to arrive in Regina later this month, in approximately eight days if all goes to plan, where participants hope to meet with provincial officials and continue advocating for greater attention to addiction, mental health, and community healing.
Follow the journey on there Facebook page.
Erica Henie holding up the Muskoday First Nation flag
4th annual Crystal Meth and Fentanyl walk – Muskoday First Nation 2026
(Completed with files from Abel Charles)